The Labor Day holiday pretty much means three things to Michiganders: Cookouts, the Bridge Walk and, of course, local festivals. From Arts, Beats & Eats and the Michigan State Fair to the Romeo Peach Festival and Detroit Jazz Festival, there is plenty of fun to be had close to home this holiday weekend.
Some events are a last hurrah to summer, a way to transition into the more routine ways of fall when children return to the classroom and lazy days at the beach give way to more structured activities. Other events are designed as a kick-off of the fall season, embracing the cooler temperatures and cozy nights that are sure to come.
Most of these festivals and events are long-standing traditions in their communities, but Blake’s inaugural Sunflower Festival is a new entry to this year’s lineup, focusing on nature’s “happy” flowers.
“These flowers are unique in that they have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy—attributes which mirror the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light,” said Kaley Pittsley, director of customer experience.
Plus, who doesn’t smile seeing a field of sunny sunflowers? Farm scene photo stations will be strategically placed throughout the fields of flowers and visitors can also wander through a sunflower maze, cut their own bouquet of sunflowers and assorted wildflowers and even enjoy homemade sunflower-inspired food, drinks and treats.
A highlight will be the open air artisan market featuring 100 artisans and their handcrafted items. Visitors can take a train ride, purchase apples and other seasonal produce and enjoy a beer garden and live music. Other areas of the property will also be open for family fun, for a separate fee, including Lovey’s Lavender Market, Blake’s Tasting Room, Blake’s Cider Mill and its famous Funland featuring an animal petting farm, corn maze, straw mountain and numerous other fun activities.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept 4-5 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 6. Pittsley suggests wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather, whether that means bringing along a sunhat, umbrella or light jacket. Tickets, which are $7/person (children ages 10 and under are free), can be purchased in advance online at blakefarms.com/event/blakes-sunflower-festival.
For many Michiganders, Labor Day weekend wouldn’t be the same without the 63rd Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk. The bridge walk has been an annual event since 1958, with the exception of 2020. Between 25,000 and 30,000 people have participated in recent years. Based on the success of the 2018 and 2019 events, the Michigan Bridge Authority will again start the 2021 Annual Bridge Walk from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
The Romeo Peach Festival is another treasured Labor Day tradition. Past year’s events have included a Peach Queen and Court, children’s parade, pancake breakfast, parade, craft show, car show, 5K and 10K runs and walk and more. For schedule updates, visit RomeoPeachFestival.com.
Detroit may be known for its Motown sound, but it’s the Detroit Jazz Festival that draws the crowds on Labor Day weekend. Produced by the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization, the festival is the signature event for the foundation and the largest free jazz festival in the world. The festival is also a major tourist attraction for the City of Detroit, with 26% of its audience coming from out of state. For more information and details about this year’s lineup, visit detroitjazzfest.org.
Of course, nothing says fun like a fair with its fried food, awesome rides, interactive exhibits and up close view of farm animals. Pack the family in the car and plan a trip to the Dickinson County Fair in Norway, Chippewa County Fair in Kinross Charter Township or the Michigan State Fair in Novi.
The Michigan State Fair presented by Ram Trucks is looking forward to celebrating Michigan’s agriculture, traditions and community Sept. 2-6. This year visitors can expect an expanded Entertainment Pavilion featuring live music, a beer tent, and fair food. Don’t forget to check out the Beginning of Life exhibit to visit baby animals, carnival midway and Rock-N-Roll K-9’s Performance Team show. Of course, a trip to the Michigan State Fair isn’t complete without seeing the Michigan Butter Cow, a sculpture made with hundreds of pounds of butter.
Admission to the fair is $8/adult or $6/child for the fair only. Ultimate wristbands that include fair entry, unlimited carnival rides and circus performances are $30/each. The fair is open Sept. 2-6. For more information, visit michiganstatefairllc.com.
If you’re in the mood for fireworks, Highland’s Red White & Blues Fireworks Festival features fireworks that will be launched at dusk on Sept. 4 from the field at the corner of M-59 and John Street. The festival, which runs from 4-11 p.m., also includes activities at the Save-a-Lot Plaza, 722 Highland Road in Highland. Enjoy children’s activities, food and craft vendors and music.
Grab some bargains courtesy of the Village of Rochester Hills Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales Sept. 3-6. For families that enjoy movies, Movies in the Parks at Stony Creek Metropark on Sept. 4 will feature “Toy Story 4.” Parking at the Baypoint Beach Overflow Lot opens at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. There is no cost but a Metroparks vehicle pass is required. Call (586) 781-4242 for more information.
One thing’s for sure: When Labor Day rolls around on the calendar, there is no shortage of ideas for family fun, so get out there and enjoy!
Due to COVID-19, always call ahead to check current hours and attendance policies before making the trip as these may change depending on the current nature of the pandemic.
Fun Labor Day ideas
Other Labor Day events to consider are:
• The 28th Annual Copper Harbor Trails Fest, Sept. 3-5 in Copper Harbor. Enjoy races, music, beer and fun times
• The Torch Lake Labor Day Art & Craft Sept. 4-6 at Pioneer Park in Alden. The event features national and local artists with their paintings, art, yard art, sculptures, bath and body items, jewelry and more
• Muskegon’s Labor Day Cars for Cancer Show and Cruise, Sept. 5-6 in Norton Shores. There will be a car show, car cruise and pancake breakfast.
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August 29, 2021 at 08:31PM
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Enjoy a Labor Day weekend filled with fun, family and festivals - The Oakland Press
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